Nor must this probable apprehension on the part of cats and the like be thought mere superstition.

Cats have superstitions, it is true; but certain actions inspired by the sight of a boy with a missile in his hand are better evidence of the workings of logic upon a practical nature than of faith in the supernatural.
Moreover, the attention of family physicians and specialists should be drawn to these significant though obscure phenomena; for the suffering of cats is a barometer of the nerve-pressure of boys, and it may be accepted as sufficiently established that Wednesday--after school-hours--is the worst time for cats.
After the promulgation of that parental edict, "You'll stay in bed till the next morning", four weeks went by unflawed by a single absence from the field of duty; but, when the fifth Wednesday came, Penrod held sore debate within himself before he finally rose.

In fact, after rising, and while actually engaged with his toilet, he tentatively emitted the series of little moans that was his wonted preliminary to a quiet holiday at home; and the sound was heard (as intended) by Mr.Schofield, who was passing Penrod's door on his way to breakfast.
"ALL right!" the father said, making use of peculiar and unnecessary emphasis.

"Stay in bed till to-morrow morning.

Castor-oil, this time, too." Penrod had not hoped much for his experiment; nevertheless his rebellious blood was sensibly inflamed by the failure, and he accompanied his dressing with a low murmuring--apparently a bitter dialogue between himself and some unknown but powerful patron.
Thus he muttered: "Well, they better NOT!" "Well, what can I DO about it ?" "Well, I'D show 'em!" "Well, I WILL show 'em!" "Well, you OUGHT to show 'em; that's the way _I_ do! I just shake 'em around, and say, 'Here! I guess you don't know who you're talkin' to like that! You better look out!'" "Well, that's the way _I_'m goin' to do!" "Well, go on and DO it, then!" "Well, I AM goin'-- " The door of the next room was slightly ajar; now it swung wide, and Margaret appeared.
"Penrod, what on earth are you talking about ?" "Nothin'.